Leonard Fournette: “My focus is not on the Heisman”

LSU tailback Leonard Fournette is the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in December. But during the sophomore’s media availability on Tuesday, he made it clear his focus was on the team.

“Winning (the Heisman) would be great, but my focus is not on the Heisman,” Fournette said, according to NOLA.com’s Jerit Roser.

Fournette downplayed many of his personal accomplishments on Tuesday and kept the focus on his 4-0 team. Despite coming dangerously close to breaking LSU’s single-game rushing record the past two weeks, he said the record isn’t on his mind.

“I’m not trying to break the single-game rushing record,” Fournette said, according to The Advocate’s Ross Dellenger. “My job is to win.”

Fournette said it doesn’t matter if he runs for fewer than 100 yards. As long as the Tigers get the victory, he’s content. The problem is, LSU may need Fournette to run for more than 100 yards every week to have a shot at winning. LSU’s passing game is in flux, while the defense has suffered some lulls throughout the season.

Personal accolades may not matter to Fournette, but the Tigers will need their star tailback to continue to chase the record books if they want to make the College Football Playoff. Fournette said he was surprised by LSU’s 4-0 start. He will need to be spectacular if LSU is going to keep rolling.

Leonard Fournette says having less than 100 yards any week wouldn't be disappointing, as long as #LSU wins.